NORMAN R. BRANDENSTEIN, L.M.H.C.
Over 21-year period, I have trained in and sustained development of mental health skills w/emphasis on multi-faceted approach to treatment of adults from cross-section of socio-economic, cultural and ethnic populations presenting with range of multi-axis mood and thought disorder diagnoses. My treatment practice has included assessment and development of client insight re: symptoms and effecting change through thought/behavior modification, conscious choices and vision for future based in holistic context of mind, body and spirit.
I currently serve in Private Practice as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and previously with Indianapolis Counseling Associates (2010-2022), and previously with Meridian Psychological Associates, PC (2008-2010), providing mental health counseling for caseload of 40-60 adult individuals/couples as associate in a private group practice (PsyMD, PhD, PsyD, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW). Maintaining caseload w/multi-diagnoses, emotional issues of life transitions and loss, personal/professional interpersonal relationship dynamics, self-empowerment, ethnic/cultural diversity focused on affectional/gender-variant/sexual identity, history of facilitation of therapy group for Gay/Bisexual men – closed cycles of 12 weeks, general issues focus. On-site supportive counseling provided at Concord Neighborhood Center (2010-2016), focused on HIV+/AIDS population. Supplemental contract with Supportive Systems LLC (2008-2010), Employee Assistance Program; provided basic mental health assessment and brief counseling services for adults representing range of local and national corporations. Premarital counseling provided for North United Methodist Church in association with Prepare and Enrich Program (2010-Current).
As staff member, Clinician I, Adult Services, Midtown Community Mental Health Center-Wishard Health Services [currently Eskenazi], Indianapolis (2002-2008), maintained services with outpatient clinic team (PsyMD, CNS, RN, Therapist, Social Worker/Case Manager, Life/Job Coach) within community-based network of public hospital system. Caseload of approximately 50-60 adult clients representing diagnoses of depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenic, dissociation, and personality disorders, with individual, couples and group therapy and case management services. Use of range of therapeutic interventions including Cognitive-Behavioral, Imago, Transactional Analysis, Object Relations, Motivational Interviewing. Documentation of treatment services sustained in an electronic medical records system, including biological-psychological-social and mental status exam assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes. Professional development maintained w/continuing education units focused on clinical skill development, ethnic/cultural awareness, best practice, CPR, and CPI.
Clinical experience initially developed as MA Graduate Student, Christian Theological Seminary Counseling Center, Indianapolis (1995-2002), in academic counseling program inclusive of 2-year Practicum curriculum; face-to-face treatment of adult clients with full spectrum of diagnoses and within individual/group supervision process. Traditional application of range of theory, discipline and therapeutic treatment, w/monitoring of responses through transference/counter-transference, ethical and cultural issues.
PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Mental Health Counselor License, 2006, State of Indiana, #39001769A, active in good standing
M.A., Pastoral Care & Counseling, Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, 2002
B.S., Theatre Performance, University of Evansville, Indiana, 1979
Professional Arts/Public Relations Administration Employment: IUPUI University Library (1995-2002), WFYI Teleplex (1994), Arts Council of Indianapolis (1989-1994), Indianapolis Civic Theatre (1980- 1989)
Supplemental Training: Indiana Counseling Association – Annual Conference, MATEC-IU Annual HIV+/AIDS Seminar, Prepare and Enrich (Certified 2010), Fairbanks Susan Li Annual Conference, World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) – World Conference (2007 & 2011) and Certification Training (2015), MHA-Indiana/Indianapolis Seminars, American Healthcare Institute, The FCG Institute for Continuing Education, CME Outfitters LLC, Christian Theological Seminary Spirituality & Psychotherapy Conference – Student Founder, National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI) – Indiana Health Ministry Conference, Indiana Society for Analytic Thought Training Programs, University of Indianapolis Department of Psychology Workshop, American Association of Pastoral Counselors – Midwest Regions Conference, National LGBT Seminary Student Conference, Indiana Gestalt Institute, Birkman International, Frontline Leadership – NBD Bank, The Fundraising School, Trustee Leadership Development, National Assembly of Local Arts Agencies (NALAA) Annual Conference, United Way of Central Indiana Professional Development Training
Personal Development: Professional Peer Support Group, Therapeutic Counseling – Individual & Couples [Transactional Analysis, Gestalt, Imago, Schnarch, EFT, CBT, addiction, men’s issues, regression], The Mankind Project (fka The New Warriors) & Whatever It Takes, domestic partner/primary care provider in HIV+/AIDS support group – The Damien Center, The Episcopal Church – “Beyond Inclusion” GLBTQ national conference
Current Community Associations: Indiana Counseling Association – Member, National Certified Counselor, NBCC, American Mental Health Counseling Association, Indy Rainbow Chamber of Commerce – Member, World Professional Association for Transgender Health – Member, The Mankind Project – Member, Prime Timers Indianapolis – Member, IUPUI University Library – Community Advisory Board, Episcopal Church of All Saints Indianapolis – Arts At All Saints Committee – former Member & Chair
Prior Community Associations: Indiana Society for Analytic Thought, The Damien Center – former Board of Directors, Indianapolis Men’s Chorus – Founding Member, Indiana Community Theatre League – Board of Directors, Midwest Dance Theatre – Board of Directors,
Professional Performing Artist: National, regional, local theatre/concert/worship performances as actor, vocal musician, dancer